Husbandry

Peanut Beetle Larvae

Peanut Beetles (Palembus dermestoides) are a small flightless insect of the Tenebrioninae subfamily of Darkling Beetles.  They produce larvae the reach ¾” and resemble Mealworms.  This species can be housed on a 1-2” deep bran-based bedding, in a transparent container; at 22°-28° Celsius (73°-83° Fahrenheit).  This will allow you to see how much of the bedding (which doubles as food) has turned into frass.  Offer your colony moisture in the form of carrot or potato slices; paying special attention to the presence of mold and quickly removing it.  They also require a generous number of unsalted peanuts as they need the amino acids from the nuts.  If kept in optimal conditions females will lay up to 200 eggs per reproductive cycle that will hatch in 7-14 days.  The larvae of this prolific species are relished by: reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish and other insectivores.

Nutritional Values (Larvae):

Fat  18.24% 
Protein  54.95% 
Ash 2.80%